What is Urinary Ultrasound?
Urinary ultrasound is an imaging method that uses sound waves to examine the urinary tract and kidneys. Since it does not involve radiation and is painless, it can be safely applied to both children and adults. Problems such as kidney stones, cysts, tumors, inflammation, or narrowing in the urinary tract can be detected using this method. In addition, bladder fullness, bladder wall structure, and post-voiding status can also be evaluated with urinary ultrasound. Today, it is one of the first imaging methods applied for urinary system complaints.
How is Urinary Ultrasound Performed?
Urinary ultrasound is quite simple and painless. The patient lies on their back, and special ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen and kidney area. The device’s probe is moved over the skin to visualize the kidneys and bladder. To get a clearer view of the kidneys, the patient may be asked to lie on their side or hold their breath briefly. For bladder examination, the bladder needs to be full, so drinking a few glasses of water before the procedure is recommended. No pain is felt during the procedure, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Why is Urinary System Ultrasound Performed?
Urinary system ultrasound is performed to investigate the causes of various urinary complaints. Common reasons include suspected kidney stones, burning or difficulty during urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and back or flank pain. It is also used for monitoring urinary tract infections, bladder problems, prostate enlargement, and urinary incontinence in children. Kidney and bladder tumors, structural abnormalities, and obstructions in the urinary tract can also be diagnosed early with this method.
How is Urinary System Ultrasound Performed?
During urinary system ultrasound, bladder fullness is first assessed. The patient drinks water to fill the bladder and is then placed in a supine position. Gel is applied to the abdominal area, and the ultrasound probe examines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder in detail. If necessary, the patient may turn to the side for a better view of the kidneys. After the bladder is emptied, ultrasound may be repeated to evaluate whether the bladder can completely void urine. The procedure is comfortable for the patient and painless.
What is the Urinary System?
The urinary system is responsible for maintaining the body’s fluid balance and excreting waste through urine. The main components of this system are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter blood to produce urine, the ureters carry urine to the bladder, the bladder stores urine, and urine is expelled through the urethra. Any malfunction in this system can negatively affect urinary function and overall health. Therefore, urinary ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic tool for detailed examination of these organs.
What Areas Does Urinary System Ultrasound Examine?
Urinary system ultrasound allows visualization of all organs forming the urinary tract. The kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, and in men, the prostate gland are evaluated. Kidney size, structure, presence of stones or cysts, ureteral obstruction, and bladder filling and emptying function can be clearly observed. In children, urinary system ultrasound is important for investigating urinary incontinence or congenital structural abnormalities.
What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed with Urinary System Ultrasound?
Urinary system ultrasound can detect many conditions early. Commonly diagnosed issues include kidney stones, kidney cysts, kidney infections (pyelonephritis), and kidney tumors. Bladder stones, polyps, tumors, or thickening of the bladder wall can also be detected. In men, prostate enlargement and related urination difficulties can be evaluated. Additionally, ureteral narrowing or obstruction, hematuria-causing pathologies, and urinary tract infections can be diagnosed using urinary system ultrasound.
Preparation for Urinary System Ultrasound
No special preparation is required for urinary system ultrasound, but a full bladder is necessary. Therefore, drinking a few glasses of water about 1 hour before the procedure is recommended. A full bladder allows clearer visualization of both the bladder wall and the kidneys. Avoiding carbonated drinks can improve image quality. Patients are also advised to wear comfortable clothing on the day of the examination. Fasting is not necessary since contrast agents are not used.
How Long Does Urinary System Ultrasound Take?
Urinary system ultrasound usually takes 15-20 minutes. During the examination, the kidneys, bladder, and if necessary, the prostate are evaluated in detail. In some cases, the full and empty bladder may be compared, slightly extending the procedure time. Duration may vary depending on the patient and device used. Overall, it is a quick, practical, and painless method.
What Does Urinary System Ultrasound Examine?
This ultrasound examines whether there are stones or cysts in the kidneys, kidney size, and tissue structure. The bladder’s capacity, wall thickness, and emptying function are assessed. In male patients, the size and structure of the prostate are also evaluated. The ureters are examined for dilation or urinary flow issues. Both the upper urinary system (kidneys and ureters) and lower urinary system (bladder and prostate) are checked in a single examination.
Urinary System Ultrasound Prices 2026
If the ultrasound is comprehensive (examining kidneys, bladder, ureters in detail + Doppler or special tests) with high-quality devices and experienced operators, the price may range from approximately 1,500 to 3,000 TL or slightly higher. For updated pricing, contacting the facility performing the procedure is recommended.
How Long Does Urinary USG Take?
Urinary system ultrasound generally takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the area to be examined and the patient’s condition. Kidneys, bladder, and in men, the prostate are evaluated within this time. Sometimes the doctor may compare the bladder when full and empty. In that case, images are first taken with a full bladder, then the patient voids, and the bladder is re-evaluated. For children or elderly patients, imaging may take a few extra minutes for careful assessment. Overall, urinary USG is a quick and painless procedure.
Should Urinary Ultrasound Be Performed Fasting?
There is no need for fasting for this type of ultrasound. However, a full bladder is required, so patients are advised to drink fluids before the procedure. Drinking 3-4 glasses of water about 1 hour prior and refraining from urination until the exam ensures adequate bladder fullness. Fasting is only necessary for some special ultrasounds (e.g., abdominal ultrasound), but not for urinary system ultrasound. Always follow the instructions of the doctor or medical personnel if specified.
What Happens if the Bladder is Not Full During Ultrasound?
If the bladder is not full, image clarity is reduced. An empty bladder prevents full assessment of bladder wall thickness and the urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder. Ureteral status may also be unclear. In such cases, the patient may be asked to drink water and wait for the bladder to fill. Adequate fullness allows more accurate and reliable imaging.
What Should Be Done Before Ultrasound?
The most important preparation is drinking plenty of water to fill the bladder. About 1 hour before the procedure, patients should drink several glasses of water and avoid urinating. Wearing comfortable clothing facilitates easy examination of the abdomen and lower pelvis. No special diet or medication discontinuation is usually needed unless specifically instructed by the doctor. Avoiding carbonated beverages improves image quality. Patient comfort and proper breathing during the exam also help obtain clear images.
How is a Female Urology Examination Performed?
Urology examinations are performed for both men and women. In women, urology exams assess the urinary tract, kidneys, bladder, and related genital system issues. Before the exam, the doctor reviews the patient’s complaints and medical history. Urine and blood tests, as well as imaging methods, may be requested. During the physical exam, the kidney area, lower abdomen, and bladder are examined manually. In some cases, pelvic evaluation similar to gynecological exams may also be performed. The aim is to investigate possible infections, stones, or tumors without causing pain.
Why Does a Urologist Order Ultrasound?
Urologists frequently use ultrasound to assess the kidneys, urinary tract, bladder, and prostate. Ultrasound is quick and safe, allowing visualization of kidney stones, kidney size, bladder fullness and emptying. Conditions such as prostate enlargement, bladder wall thickening, or urinary retention can also be easily detected. Since it does not involve radiation or medication, ultrasound is often the first-line imaging method for urologists.
Can Bladder Cancer Be Detected on Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is one of the first methods for evaluating bladder cancer. Masses, wall thickening, or irregularities inside the bladder can be seen on ultrasound. However, it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. If a suspicious finding is detected, cystoscopy and biopsy are required. Ultrasound provides important clues but pathological examination is necessary for confirmation.
Can Kidney Failure Be Detected with Ultrasound?
Kidney failure cannot be directly diagnosed with ultrasound, but structural abnormalities that may cause kidney failure can be seen. Ultrasound evaluates kidney size, structure, and tissue. In chronic kidney failure, kidneys may appear shrunken with altered tissue. Stones, cysts, tumors, or urinary tract obstructions can also be detected. Kidney function is determined by blood tests (creatinine, urea, etc.), so ultrasound alone is not sufficient but serves as an important diagnostic tool.
Can Bladder Stones Be Seen on Ultrasound?
Yes, bladder stones are usually clearly visible on ultrasound. Stones appear as bright, reflective structures on the screen. When the bladder is full, their movement can also be observed. Large stones are easily detected, while very small stones may be harder to see. In such cases, additional imaging such as CT scan may be used. Ultrasound is the first and most reliable method for diagnosing bladder stones.
How is Urinary Tract Infection Detected?
Urinary tract infections are common in both men and women. Frequent urination and burning during urination are common symptoms. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine is also an important sign. Some patients may experience blood in the urine, pain in the lower abdomen or back, fever, and fatigue. Women are more prone due to shorter urethral anatomy. UTIs are definitively diagnosed by urine analysis and culture. Early detection allows easy treatment, while neglect can lead to serious kidney complications.
How Long Can a Urinary Catheter Stay In?
A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Duration depends on the patient’s condition and type of catheter. Short-term use is usually a few days, while long-term special catheters may remain for weeks or months. To reduce infection risk, catheters should be replaced regularly. For long-term use, doctors usually recommend changing every 2-4 weeks. Leaving a catheter in too long can cause infections, bladder irritation, or stone formation. Duration should always be determined under specialist supervision.
When Are Urinary System Ultrasound Results Ready?
Urinary system ultrasound is used for detailed evaluation of kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. No radiation is used, and results are generally available the same day. Images are reviewed by a radiologist and a report is prepared. Usually, the report is ready within a few hours, but in cases requiring detailed assessment or during busy periods, it may take 1-2 days. If an urgent finding is detected, the doctor can provide the report sooner. Therefore, urinary ultrasound is a fast, safe, and reliable imaging method.
